Four Cheatham residents have pulled petitions with the Cheatham County Election Commission, signaling intent to run for mayor in the county’s general election on August 2, 2018.
While the deadline to file is April 5, Sandra “Red” Gregory, Dan Henderson, Pam Jones, and Kerry McCarver were the only potential candidates as of Friday, February 16.
Gregory, a 4th-district resident for over 30 years, says that she has invested a significant amount of time attending many county-related meetings; these meetings, she says, have taught her the internal workings of the county and have shown her how things are “decided for the county.”
Additionally stating that she is a “good listener of the people,” Gregory has also pulled a petition for the position of county commissioner.
“I have considered both and they are both very important positions of the county; it would be a honor to serve as either one,” Gregory says. “I'm looking forward to picking one of these, and would love your support to keep improving or county.”
Henderson, a resident of the second district, came to the area in 2013 after retiring from a 30-year career in the Unites States Air Force. Henderson’s military resume includes 18 years of law enforcement, six years of being a chaplain assistant, and 12 years as an officer (medical administrator). Since he has been in Cheatham area, he has served as the county school district’s chief of operations (2014-2017).
He states that his unique executive skill set can be a great contribution to the county.
“I believe it is time for Cheatham County to grow, but we are not yet ready,” he says.
If elected, Henderson states that he will use his term to prepare the county for the growth “it desperately needs.”
Kerry McCarver, current mayor of the county, was appointed to the position by the commission on June 26, 2017, to finish out the late David McCullough’s remaining term after his untimely death.
Over the past seven months in his position, McCarver states that he has built bridges and communication between the school board and the commission, worked to bring a $15 million river port to the industrial park, purchased Sycamore Square for county offices, and has been addressing the overcrowding of the jail.
“I am asking voters for a full four-year term to complete these projects and several others to keep the county growing in positive and productive ways. I know our best days are ahead in Cheatham County,” says McCarver, a current resident of Pleasant View.
McCarver served as the mayor of Pleasant View from 2004 to 2012, owned and operated the I-24 Exchange newspaper for 17 years, and worked with Genesco for two years before being appointed mayor.
Jones could not be reached for comment.
However, she is the only one of the three interested parties to have returned her petition; Jones’ 29 signatures and petition were received by the Election Commission on January 9.
Important Dates to Remember:
Last Day to File: April 5, 2018 at Noon
Withdrawal Deadline: April 12, 2018 at Noon
Last Day to Register to Vote Before Election: July 3, 2018
Early Voting Begins: July 13, 2018
Early Voting Ends: July 28, 2018
Election: August 2, 2018
The Election Commission is located at 188 County Services Dr. (#100) in Ashland City; their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:00PM and can be reached at (615) 792-5770.